Questions for Group Discussions:
Theme: Integrity in Interpersonal Relationships
Text: Matthew 5:31-48
Open The Scriptures:
- In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus discusses the issue of divorce, mentioning that anyone who divorces his wife, except in the case of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. Take time to study Jesus’ other comments from Matthew 19:3-9. How do we minister to those who have gone through or are going through divorce?
- Matthew 5:33-37 emphasizes truthfulness in speech. Jesus advises against swearing oaths and stresses the importance of simply letting your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’ How does this requirement for honesty reflect the characteristics of Christ’s kingdom?
- Reflect on Matthew 5:38-48. How does the way of Jesus in dealing with injustice and enemies differ from the ways our culture says we should interact with injustice and enemies?
Open Your Lives:
- What, so far, has been some of the most difficult teachings of Jesus from the sermon on the mount for you to live by? Why?
- Evaluate how you respond when your integrity is challenged. In what ways can you practice letting your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’ more authentically in your daily interactions?
- Think about a situation where you experienced injustice or were wronged. How can applying Jesus’ teachings on non-retaliation and loving enemies transform your approach in that scenario?
- Who are some enemies in your life that you need to start practicing the way of Jesus toward them?
- The sermon highlighted the concept of “second-mile service.” Reflect on a recent opportunity for service or generosity. How did you respond, and how might you better embody Christ’s call to radical generosity in future opportunities?
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